Audeze LCD-3 Over‑Ear Headphones (Open‑Back, Zebrano Wood, Black)

Hear music with room‑filling realism—without the room

If you’ve been chasing headphones that can deliver speaker‑like scale without fatigue, the LCD‑3 is that rare endgame set that marries warmth, depth, and detail. Audeze’s large planar‑magnetic drivers paint a wide, natural soundstage with bass authority, lifelike timbre, and a smooth, extended top end—letting you relax into long sessions instead of analyzing them. Hand‑finished Zebrano wood, plush pads, and a ventilated suspension headband turn serious listening into a luxury ritual.

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Why Audiophiles Choose This Product

• • Primary Benefit: Rich, musical tuning with powerful, articulate bass, natural midrange, and airy extension—engaging across genres without edgy treble. Reviewers praise its realism and detail, calling it “jaw‑dropping” and “very warm, full.”
• • Technical Benefit: 106 mm planar‑magnetic drivers, ultra‑thin diaphragms, and Audeze’s Fazor phase‑management yield high resolution, low distortion, and precise imaging.
• • Practical Benefit: Handcrafted Zebrano wood rings, premium earpads, and a ventilated suspension headband balance the LCD‑3’s substantial build for long, comfortable sessions.
• • Compatibility Benefit: Dual mini‑XLR connectors and included balanced 4‑pin XLR and 1/4" options make it amp‑ready out of the box; recommended power >250 mW.
• • Unique Benefit: Individually matched drivers and Audeze’s meticulous US craftsmanship deliver an heirloom piece with a signature “musical and spacious” presentation refined since 2011.

Tip: As an open‑back design, LCD‑3 leaks sound and lets in ambiance—perfect for quiet rooms, not for commuting.

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What’s Included

• • Main Product: Audeze LCD‑3 over‑ear, open‑back planar‑magnetic headphones (Zebrano wood rings; black finish)
• • Primary Cable: Balanced 4‑pin XLR cable
• • Secondary Items: 4‑pin XLR‑to‑1/4" TRS adapter cable; 1/4"‑to‑3.5 mm adapter; rugged LCD travel case
• • Documentation: Warranty card and Certificate of Authenticity
  All inclusions per Audeze’s official listing.

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Technical Specifications

Specification	Value	Notes
Product Type	Wired, open‑back over‑ear headphones	Dual mini‑XLR connectors to either balanced XLR or 1/4" TRS.
Transducer	Planar magnetic, 106 mm	Large area diaphragm for speaker‑like dynamics and low distortion.
Phase Management	Fazor	Guides internal waves for clarity and imaging.
Magnet Type	Neodymium N50	Strong, efficient magnet array.
Frequency Response	10 Hz – 50 kHz	Extended bandwidth for air and sub‑bass texture.
THD	< 0.1% @ 100 dB	Clean, low‑fatigue listening.
Impedance	110 Ω	Benefits from a quality headphone amplifier.
Sensitivity	101 dB/1 mW (DRP)	Real‑world loudness scales well with clean power.
Power	Min >100 mW; recommended >250 mW	Pairs well with tube or solid‑state amps.
Weight	635 g	Ventilated suspension headband improves comfort.
Build	Zebrano wood rings; premium earpads; ventilated headband	Handcrafted in the USA.

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Professional Recognition

• • Awards: SoundStage! named LCD‑3 a Recommended Reference Component (May 2014) following its Reviewers’ Choice evaluation.
• • Reviews (key quotes):
  • “Audeze has produced a superb set of headphones.” — SoundStage!
  • “Jaw‑dropping level of detail.” — Digital Trends
  • “A very warm, full sound.” — Forbes
• • Heritage: Introduced in 2011 and refined over time, LCD‑3 is part of Audeze’s LCD Origins line and remains a long‑time customer favorite for its “musical and spacious” presentation.
• • Innovation: Planar‑magnetic drivers with ultra‑thin diaphragms and Fazor phase‑management deliver high resolution with low distortion and stable imaging.

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The Bottom Line

If your ideal headphone trades glare for glow while preserving micro‑detail and stage depth, the LCD‑3 belongs on your shortlist. Its luxuriant build, balanced comfort, and proven planar‑magnetic engineering create an intimate yet expansive listening experience that makes you forget about the gear and focus on the music. Pair it with a quality amplifier, settle into a quiet room, and rediscover albums you thought you knew by heart.

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Headphone‑Specific Notes

• Connectivity: Wired only (balanced 4‑pin XLR and 1/4" single‑ended paths via included cables/adapters).
• Amplification: With 110 Ω impedance and recommended power >250 mW, a dedicated headphone amp (tube or solid‑state) is advised for best dynamics and control.
• Sound Signature: Warm, full‑bodied, and resolving with smooth highs—easy to listen to for hours while revealing fine detail.
• Comfort: Substantial 635 g mass is well‑managed by the ventilated suspension headband and plush pads; ideal for seated, at‑home listening.

If you’d like, I can tailor an amp/DAC pairing guide for the LCD‑3 based on your source and music preferences.